Understanding the Laurel Bush
The term 'laurel bush' commonly refers to evergreen shrubs prized for their dense foliage and rapid growth, making them a popular choice for landscaping. While several plants bear the 'laurel' name, the most frequently encountered in gardens are varieties of *Prunus laurocerasus*, known as Cherry Laurel or common laurel, and *Laurus nobilis*, the Bay Laurel. Both offer distinct qualities, but Cherry Laurel is generally more prevalent for its vigorous growth and adaptability as a hedging plant.
Cherry Laurel is a hardy, fast-growing shrub that can reach significant heights and widths, forming an impenetrable barrier or a substantial ornamental feature. Its glossy, dark green leaves are large and leathery, producing spikes of white, fragrant flowers in spring, followed by small, dark berries that can be toxic if ingested. Bay Laurel, on the other hand, is slower growing and typically associated with its culinary use; its leaves are smaller, aromatic, and used as a spice. For general garden purposes, particularly for hedging and screening, the Cherry Laurel bush is the primary subject of interest.
When considering a laurel bush for your garden, it's important to distinguish between these main types. Cherry Laurel varieties are chosen for their screening capabilities and ornamental appeal, while Bay Laurel is more for flavour and its more refined appearance as a smaller specimen or topiary. This guide focuses primarily on the cultivation and care of the robust Cherry Laurel bush.
The versatility of the laurel bush makes it a cornerstone for many garden designs.
Cherry Laurel Varieties
Within the Cherry Laurel family (*Prunus laurocerasus*), numerous cultivars exist, each offering slightly different characteristics in terms of size, leaf shape, and growth habit. Popular choices include 'Rotundifolia', known for its large, ovate leaves and upright growth; 'Otto Luyken', a more compact variety with narrower leaves and a spreading habit; and 'Schipkaensis' (or 'Schip'), which is particularly hardy and often used for hedging. These variations allow gardeners to select a laurel bush that best fits their specific spatial and aesthetic requirements, whether for a tall privacy screen or a more contained shrub border.
Bay Laurel vs. Cherry Laurel
While both are called 'laurel', their utility and appearance differ significantly. Bay Laurel (*Laurus nobilis*) is the plant historically associated with wreaths and culinary uses. It has a more Mediterranean feel, slower growth, and smaller leaves. Cherry Laurel (*Prunus laurocerasus*), conversely, is a vigorous grower, producing larger leaves and much more substantial growth, making it the superior choice for dense hedging and quick screening. If your aim is a substantial, quick-establishing green screen, the Cherry Laurel bush is almost certainly what you need.
Planting Your Laurel Bush
Selecting the right location and preparing the soil are fundamental steps for ensuring your laurel bush thrives. These plants are remarkably adaptable, tolerating a range of soil types, but they perform best in well-drained, fertile loam. Avoid waterlogged areas, as this can lead to root rot. Laurel bushes can grow in full sun or partial shade; however, densely variegated varieties may lose some of their colouration in deep shade.
When planting a single specimen laurel bush, dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. For hedging, ensure the trench is adequately wide and deep to accommodate multiple plants spaced correctly. A common spacing for hedging plants like Cherry Laurel is between 45-60cm apart, depending on the mature size of the chosen cultivar and how quickly you desire a dense screen. Loosen the soil at the bottom and sides of the hole or trench to encourage root penetration. Once the plant is positioned, backfill with the removed soil, firming gently around the base to eliminate air pockets.
Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and reduce transplant shock. Applying a layer of mulch, such as bark chippings or compost, around the base can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. This initial care is crucial for establishing a healthy root system, setting the stage for vigorous growth in the subsequent seasons.
Preparing the Soil
Good soil preparation is key. If your soil is heavy clay, consider incorporating grit or compost to improve drainage and aeration. For sandy soils, adding organic matter will help retain moisture and nutrients. A soil test can provide specific insights into your garden's conditions, allowing for targeted amendments. Ensuring the planting area is free from perennial weeds is also advisable, as they can compete with the young laurel for resources.
For optimal establishment, especially in less-than-ideal soil conditions, consider adding a generous amount of well-rotted compost or manure to the planting hole or trench. This provides a nutrient boost and improves soil structure from the outset.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once established, the laurel bush is relatively low-maintenance, but regular care will ensure it remains healthy and visually appealing. Watering is most critical during dry spells, especially for young plants and those grown in containers. Established hedges in the ground are often resilient enough to cope with average rainfall, but prolonged drought may necessitate supplementary watering.
Feeding is generally recommended annually, typically in spring. A balanced, slow-release fertiliser or a top dressing of compost will provide the necessary nutrients for lush foliage and robust growth. Avoid over-fertilising, as this can lead to excessive, soft growth that is more susceptible to pests and diseases, or can result in a leggy appearance.
Pruning is perhaps the most significant aspect of laurel bush maintenance, particularly for hedges. Cherry Laurel responds very well to pruning and can be cut back hard if needed. The best time to prune is usually in late spring or early summer, after the main flush of growth and flowering. This timing allows the plant to recover and produce new foliage before winter. Pruning can be done with secateurs for shaping individual plants or shears for formal hedges. If you're aiming for a dense, formal hedge, regular trimming will be required. For a more natural look, selective pruning to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches is sufficient.
Regular pruning is vital for maintaining the desired shape and density of your laurel hedge.
Pest and Disease Management
While generally robust, laurel bushes can occasionally be affected by pests such as aphids or vine weevils, and diseases like powdery mildew or leaf spot. Good cultural practices, including proper watering, feeding, and air circulation, are the first line of defence. If problems arise, identify them correctly before resorting to treatments. For example, vine weevil larvae can cause significant root damage, while fungal issues might be exacerbated by damp conditions. Prompt removal of affected foliage and appropriate, targeted treatments can help manage outbreaks.
When pruning, always use clean, sharp secateurs or shears. This not only results in a neater cut, promoting faster healing, but also significantly reduces the risk of transferring diseases between plants.
Laurel Bushes as Alternatives and Features
The inherent qualities of the laurel bush lend themselves exceptionally well to replacing other hedging plants or serving as a striking garden feature. Its dense, evergreen foliage provides year-round screening and privacy, making it a superior alternative to less robust or deciduous options. For instance, where a quick and effective privacy screen is needed, laurel often outpaces slower-growing options like beech or hawthorn tree, and offers a more uniform appearance than some mixed hedge plants.
Compared to other evergreen hedges, laurel offers a distinct advantage in growth rate and tolerance. While leylandii can grow very quickly, they can also become unruly and are prone to certain diseases. Laurel, particularly Cherry Laurel varieties, provides a more manageable growth rate while still establishing a substantial barrier. It can be an excellent alternative to box hedge, which is susceptible to box blight, offering a similar dense structure with greater resilience. Privet hedge, another popular choice, can be more prone to blackfly and may struggle in very cold winters, whereas laurel generally fares better.
Beyond hedging, a well-maintained laurel bush can be trained into various shapes, including spheres or pyramids, adding architectural interest to formal gardens. Its substantial size, when allowed to grow freely, makes it an imposing specimen plant, capable of creating a focal point or anchoring a garden design. The glossy dark green leaves provide a rich backdrop for flowering plants or a contrast against more delicate textures.
Choosing a Laurel for Specific Needs
When considering a laurel bush, think about its intended role. For a tall, dense privacy screen, 'Rotundifolia' or 'Schipkaensis' are excellent choices. If space is more limited or a lower, spreading shrub is desired, 'Otto Luyken' is a superb option. For a classic, culinary Bay Laurel, ensure you select a plant from a reputable supplier, as its requirements and growth habit are quite different. Each type offers a unique contribution to garden design, from robust boundary hedges to decorative garden elements.
The enduring appeal of the laurel bush lies in its combination of resilience, rapid growth, and dense, attractive foliage, fulfilling multiple garden roles with efficiency.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Despite their general hardiness, laurel bushes can encounter problems that might cause concern for gardeners. One of the most common queries relates to yellowing leaves, which can have several causes. If the entire leaf turns yellow, it might indicate overwatering or poor drainage, stressing the roots. Conversely, if the older leaves yellow and drop while new growth appears healthy, it could be a natural process or a sign of nutrient deficiency, suggesting a need for fertiliser. Uneven yellowing or spotting often points towards pest activity or fungal infections.
Another frequent issue is the appearance of brown or scorched-looking leaf margins. This can be a result of frost damage, especially on younger growth, or it could be caused by drying winds, particularly in exposed locations. Ensuring adequate watering during dry periods and providing shelter from harsh winds can mitigate these effects. Sometimes, salt spray from nearby roads can also cause similar symptoms, so consider the plant's environment.
Wilting, particularly during warm weather, might seem alarming but can be a sign that the plant is simply trying to conserve water. However, if wilting persists despite adequate soil moisture, it may indicate root damage from vine weevils or a fungal disease like Phytophthora. Inspecting the roots and the base of the plant for any signs of infestation or rot is a crucial diagnostic step.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While most common issues can be addressed with proper care and minor interventions, persistent or severe problems might warrant professional advice. If your laurel bush is showing widespread signs of distress, such as significant leaf drop, extensive discolouration, or stunted growth that doesn't respond to basic care, it's wise to consult a local horticultural expert or a qualified arborist. They can help diagnose complex issues, such as specific soil-borne diseases or pest infestations that require specialised treatment, ensuring the long-term health of your plant.
A healthy, vibrant laurel bush is a testament to attentive, informed garden care.